I enjoy office toys ... I mean supplies. So when a local Office Depot store decided to close its doors, I scooped a lot of bargains. When I saw the Swingline TOT Stapler, I could not resist temptation. Into my basket it went.

Description

Its a fun size ... and dare I admit it ... it looks cute! The stapler measures 2 1/2" long x 1 1/4" wide x 1 3/4" high. The body of the stapler is a hard plastic, while the inner workings are made from metal. Atop the stapler is a thumb-sized indentation.

The bottom of the stapler is a different color. Why you might ask? Because the bottom of the stapler has a secret compartment. Its not readily noticeable, either. There is a tiny indentation for a fingernail to pry the small compartment open. There is enough room inside the compartment to conceal a strip of 50 standard-size staples.

At the back of the stapler is a small built-in metal staple remover. The metal piece is solid and shaped in a slender U-shape. My whimsical side insists this little staple remover resembles a tail on the stapler.

I own a blue stapler, but this stapler comes in several color choices: blue, black, purple, green, orange and red.

My Experiences

This is a handy stapler to own as it fits in small places and is easy to carry. I can tuck it into the corner of a drawer, sit it between stacks of paper beside the computer, carry it in a purse, knapsack or briefcase.

Best yet, this stapler holds standard-size staples. I own an older version of the Swingline TOT stapler that has to be at least 20 years old (and it still works like a dream!). However, the older stapler takes a mini-staple that can be a pain to remove because of its small size. I like the convenience of using standard-size staples and am glad that Swingline developed this mini-stapler that uses them.

The secret compartment is great for holding an extra clip of staples. Since the stapler only has a 50-staple capacity, having those extra staples available is convenient. Its easy to open and close the compartment. The metal staple remover acts as a hinge so that the softer plastic bottom piece does not come completely free.

I had hoped that the soft plastic bottom would act as a non-skid surface, but this stapler slides across a desk top. The bottom does have a bit of staying power when seated on a stack of papers, and will not slide even with the papers set on an slight angle.

The thumb-size indentation on top of the stapler makes it easy to hold and operate. Firm pressure is required to staple paper. This stapler easily staples up to 15 sheets of 20-pound copy paper. I once tried stapling 20 sheets of paper, and the stapler jammed. Using a bit of muscle, I pried the stapler open to remove the bent staple, and the stapler worked fine after its fit of rebellion.

If you are looking for a deep throated stapler, this is not the machine for you. The throat is only a 1/2" deep. Therefore, the stapler can only staple up to 1/2" into a piece of paper.

Inserting new staples into the stapler is easy, too. Simply lift the top of the stapler and drop a new strip into the slot. Close the lid and you are ready for stapling action. The metal staple remover works well, too.

One Fault

Im not sure if it is just this one stapler, or if this problem affects all of them. The top of my stapler does not want to stay locked down. It keeps popping open. Examining the machine, I can see that there is a small metal nubbin at the top of the stapler that is supposed to lock into a slot on the portion of the stapler that holds the staples. This metal nubbin is too shallow to lock properly, so the stapler top keeps springing open.

There is no problem using the stapler. It staples fine. When done stapling, though, and when the stapler is set down, the top springs open. Since I keep this stapler in a drawer next to my computer, the sprung top is not a problem. If I were to carry this stapler in a tote, I would worry that the staples might fall out of it during transit. Normally this problem doesnt bother me; however, the stapler should be designed to work properly.

Purchasing

I paid a ridiculously low price for my stapler when a local Office Depot store closed its doors. I only paid about 40 cents for it. Office Depot offers this stapler in a variety of colors for $1.88, and a box of 1,000 staples is included. Walgreens sells this same stapler in green for $2.99. Staples sells it in black for $3.29. The 1,000 extra staples seem to be part of the package no matter where the stapler is purchased.

Summary

Im glad I took advantage of this bargain. I enjoy the convenience of being able to stash this mini-stapler in the corner of a drawer and pulling it out when needed. Standard-size staples and the staple remover are great features, too. And lets not forget the secret compartment that holds additional staples. My only complaint is the design flaw so that my Swingline TOT Stapler does not properly close. Otherwise this is an excellent buy!